Chapter 14 - Fire in the Darkness
A bit of a break wouldn't hurt.
Early rays were peeking over the canopy. Oscar slipped off his boots, letting his bare feet touch the dew coated grass. The river before him made his toes curl in anticipation, awaiting a cool siesta from hours of hunting.
He let out a satisfied breath as his feet soaked in the cool water, sitting on the riverbank and setting down his bag and game. Two hares - not much for his group, but it was all he'd been able to find.
Are the others awake now? He passively wondered, letting his hands rest on his knees as he watched fish nibble at his toes. Someone had probably noticed his absence if so, and he didn't doubt getting in trouble for vanishing suddenly. And trying to escape Ash's rage, well...
It just never turned out good for anyone.
But Oscar didn't care, damn him for taking initiative if they liked, but he'd gone out and done something. Maybe it wasn't much compared to the group's, but if it contributed, then he wouldn't hesitate.
That aside, things had been moving slowly the past few days.
Jaune had been gone for three days now, and in that time the group had managed to find a safe place past the enemy red zone. Their foes likely still believed they were outside of range, which was a great advantage. It meant they were safe in here... relatively.
The area surprisingly sparse. Enemies were in abundance, but animals and Grimm? There were surprisingly almost none. It had taken Oscar quite some time just to find two rabbits, and by no means were they easy to catch. Barely enough for a couple of days even if they rationed it out.
Hopefully, what he'd found would help.
The young boy let the scent of the air fill his nose and lungs, the light warming his exposed skin. It was cool, relaxing - a hard contrast to most of his days as of late. Inspiration struck, Oscar reached into his bag and opened his notebook. Important moments, findings, his personal thoughts - anything that he wanted to look back on and remember, he put there.
It's funny that is place can still feel so calm, so peaceful after everything.
We hadn't talked about Tajahn or the Turu much since the bandits first attacked, it's like it was completely forgotten about. I mean, I get why, its obvious - why be worried about finding treasures when there are people all over the place that want to kill you?
But that still leaves me wondering; questions that I want to ask but the situation doesn't really need it.
Does this tribe of bandits have something to do with Tajahn?
They can't be the Turu since they are openly violent, but Tajahn is supposed to house lots of Dust. They could be using that Dust to power their machines. And if so, that means Tajahn is here.
Will we ever be able to find it?
Oobleck would probably say 'another time'. The safety of the team came first after all. But the next time they went, would I still be with them? Or will I be home, grounded for life and locked in my room until I'm forty?
Maybe I should start planning my escape route now, heh.
As he closed the book and put it away he let those fluttering thoughts drift away; it got him through, having somewhere to voice all the things he was too afraid to talk about. Content that at least the journal was listening, keeping his secrets and concerns to itself.
Oscar just let himself relax then, time was out of the equation - it was only him and the ever-onward nature. His eyes drifted shut, the shade of the tree protecting his eyes from the light. He just breathed it all in, let his skin absorb the atmosphere. Just like back at home.
His mom and dad would relax with him outside once all the chores were done, and they'd just talk and laugh. Past the tall corn stalks, just outside the barn house – where the haystacks were the perfect place for a nap in the hot afternoon. The soil in Vale was so different to Mistral; it was dryer, warmer... familiar. That was land he understood, a country he'd learned everything about growing up.
And that's why it was boring.
This new land was wet and gunky. Mosquitos were frequent, and water was everywhere. The island was a mess of things; hot, cold, moist, humid – random like a spinning wheel. Grimm and animals coexisted somehow, however rarely they spawned. And bandits, killers or not, managed to thrive here.
Even if it was scary and dangerous, it was new - exciting in a way. But thankfully he wasn't desperate enough to want to stay; couldn't do much exploring if he was dead.
"I'd better get back..." He sat up with a groan, getting to his feet he stretched out his arms. He'd have been happier to relax for longer, but he'd already been gone from the group too long. He didn't want to push it.
He turned to go back to camp, but found that the shade that once covered his eyes... got darker.
A shadow was looming over him.
His eyes had barely gone past the man's chest before a heavy strike rattled his skull. He stumbled in a daze, his vision to blurry to get a clear look.
A second blow took the world from him.
~Event Horizon~
A soft hand reached out for him.
His back was against the darkness, a wall he could not see - no, there was no wall. He couldn't feel one. And yet he couldn't move, he felt shacked on the spot. And it was endless, a loop of confusion. Shivering. He was shivering.
Why was he shivering?
And then it wasn't cold anymore.
Heat; fire, had come. It billowed like wind. It flared, hissed at him. And in that substance, something walked toward him. Its - her hand, outstretched. Inviting him.
That was what made him shiver.
She was smiling. It was a lovely smile. Until it wasn't.
It twisted like peeling skin, taking up her face as though a knife had cut into her cheeks. Her eyes were a milky white, unseeing. Oh, but they saw him, they saw everything about him. All was exposed to her. His feet were glued to the floor, even as he fought to move them himself.
The woman, she... she didn't walk. Instead it seemed like the darkness hovered her closer, that smile becoming bigger, her face coming closer. He wanted to run. He pulled at the chains that weren't there, and he cried for help. Wishing for someone to save him.
Suddenly she was upon him. Her face was pressed against his and hot breath that singed his skin hurt to stand against. Her hand - no, her claw, was coated in fire.
That cold, evil fire. She touched him.
"I'm coming for you."
Weary eyes snapped open.
There were heels in front of him.
Jaune jumped up with a yell, unsheathing his sword and slaying the woman before him.
The light forced him to reality, and suddenly there were no heels - there was no woman. Instead it was a tree, the edge of his sword buried into the trunk. Tensed muscles relaxed, and Jaune put his weapon away. He touched the wound he'd inflicted on the tree, rubbing as though that would soothe its pain.
It at least felt good to know he wasn't the only scarred one.
Jaune reached into his pack, swallowing the last of his water from the canteen and washing the taste of dirt out of his mouth. One look at the area told him it was early morning - good, he'd gotten up on time.
He wasn't very far now.
~Event Horizon~
Jaune rubbed the bridge of his nose, his thoughts took on a lot of topics. His training, the mission at hand, but at the fore of it all the infuriating image of his partner plagued him the most.
He wanted to think he was still angry, but that had died down a day into the mission. He'd spent a lot of time butting heads with her, or just outright ignoring her because of the anger. It was clear that was she worried for him, but he hated the thought of that. He didn't want her to be worried for him.
He didn't need it.
Still... he had completely slided her concerns, assuring her that he was fine, which he was. Did that merit an apology? A part of him thought so, and another part didn't.
Forget her.
Jaune shook his head, dismissing the horrid thought. It was messed up to think that. Amber was his friend, she'd done nothing wrong. If there was anyone to kill, it was these bandits. They were the ones at fault. Yeah, that's right – it was their fault.
An hour had saw to the forest opening, revealing a wide bridge crossing over a mouth in the earth. That crevasse had a flowing river at the bottom; it would've looked like a means of escape if Jaune couldn't see the jagged rocks. Especially from that height.
The side he stood on happened to be the site of a crash as well; the body of the plane had only one wing and lied on the bridge while scattered bits of it littered the walkway like spilled guts. The tail end of the plane had fallen below.
"Another one..." Jaune noted. That made four his group had discovered since the first attack. The other two being a freighter and another military ship. It was obvious the ships being downed was no accident, but the bigger question was how.
How in the world were bandits, whose most powerful weapons were automatics, taking down the world's strongest ships?
Concerning question as it was, it wasn't important, and hopefully it never would be. Once they were off the island, Jaune could forget all about it. The tower could be seen over the treetops; perfect, just one more haul.
Then he stopped.
He could see them crossing, six or more enemies walking his way but locked into conversation. Jaune whipped his head around, quickly looking for somewhere to hide. He considered the plane but if they were passing by they'd see him.
There was nowhere on the bridge to - wait, under!
Jaune made haste, jumping over the side of the bridge and swinging off the edge toward the crossbeams below. He landed quietly, thankful in that they were thick and wide.
The path forward was a web of crossbeams, tricky, but not by much. So long as he was careful, he'd made it with no problem. He crossed with confidence, already halfway and even though he couldn't hear the bandits' voices, he doubted they'd notice him.
And that confidence lasted right up until the halfway point, and an arrow slashing his shoulder.
He eyes followed the trajectory; there he was, on the distant cliffside. Jaune couldn't hear him, but he did see him raise his arm. Then point down.
Damn it!
Before he knew it, bullets were flying - and Jaune struggled to keep on the crossbeams while avoiding them. Hanging over the left side, a man fired on I'm while his cohort held him by the ankles. But it wasn't just them, on his other side were two more pairs. And none of them seemed to feel uncomfortable with their aim.
An unorthodox counter strategy. Like they expected people to go under the bridge.
Jaune felt considerably less smart than he did moments ago.
The blonde's muscles coiled as he called on his aura, the bullets bouncing off him leaving a string in their wake but that was all. Yet they stunted his progression, and he could feel his aura being chipped away with each shot.
I just need to hold out until I get to the other side! Jaune convinced himself and his aura, keeping the shield up as he kept moving. He'd make it in time, and he'd have plenty of aura to spare afterward.
That's when he felt a huge dent in his aura.
The blast was thick, like being struck in the head with a bowling ball. The force had knocked him right off his feet and sent him airborne. Wind whistled in Jaune's ears as he saw the river below. Panicking, he threw out his arms in hopes of grabbing something.
Whew... thank god.
Grunting he pulled himself onto the crossbeam, pushing himself to his feet just in time for a bullet to pass him by. The others were likely reloading, but the perpetrator of his near death stood where he had, toting a shotgun. And a smirk.
Just like her.
"Take him out now!" Someone called out. Followed by a flurry of gunfire.
Jaune drew his sword in a flash and jumped toward his opponent, landing on the crossbeam opposite him and swinging out. He was quick to deflect it, battering aside each following attack and matching his strength.
"Not for long." Jaune pushed at him, taking him over and upsetting his footing. Seizing that opportunity, he swung at the red woman.
But stopped short when bullets came battering against his aura, Jaune ducked to avoid a further onslaught. The shotgun wielder didn't waste that opportunity, blasting him in the chest and sending Jaune flying.
The kiss of fire seared at his scar. It flurried before his eyes, orange and red.
It was gone in an instant as his enemies kept firing, Jaune struggling back on the platform and his grounded opponent made his way over. Jaune flipped back up, swinging out to keep the man at bay. He dived to another crossbeam as his foe counterattacked, destroying the old crossbeam in the process.
Calling on his aura again, Jaune ceased the next haze of bullets. But now he could feel them getting stronger. His aura was getting weaker. The trap was good; too good. For normal people it was a grave, but for aura users it was pure punishment. He had no real means to attack if he couldn't also defend.
Time to do something risky.
Another shotgun blast came for him, Jaune weaved to the side before leaping at his target. He was side stepped easily, bashing him in the head as he passed. Jaune rebounded off the crossbeam and swung his sword in a wide arc. It would surely bisect his opponent and end their stupid game.
And then he saw the smile. Her smile.
Jaune cried aloud as a chunk of his aura was torn from him, the blast forcing him to hold his sword up. The shockwave of metal on metal rattled his arms, shook the clarity in his vision - and all the while she was laughing at him.
Taunting him.
Why was it some hard to focus? All he could see was the flame, searing the back of his brain like it was inside his skull. And the muffled voices - one male, one female. They called out to him, but they didn't war, they worked together. Against him.
Jaune's teeth snapped together as the butt of a gun stick him in the chin, puncturing his aura just enough to bust his lip. The metallic taste of blood filled mouth, and Jaune spit it out in rage, glaring daggers at his enemy.
What was going on? What was happening to him?
No... he was fine. Everything was okay. These were just dreams, hallucinations - he hadn't eaten very well in a few days and his head was fuzzy because of it. That was the best explanation. It couldn't be anything else.
He was fine. He was sane.
"His aura is down! Kill him!"
I'm coming for you, Jaune...
Fight. Kill. All who puncture this world you love.
Jaune fell to his side, the impact shaking him as shots flew over him. But he couldn't stay there, he had to get his aura up before he took a heavy hit. It was pounding inside his head; the sun rays were obscuring his vision. He saw his enemy coming toward him...
In heels.
Heels that became boots. A lab coat tailed at the hem. He looked up to find the man's face, except it wasn't a man. It was a beautiful woman. And she wore a dress.
A dress as red as his blood.
Coming for you, Jaune... coming... Jaune...
What is your purpose? To serve. That is what you have always wanted to do, correct?
Jaune's breaths were rapid, eyes wide as the fluctuating realities whirred in his mind. He felt the incredible need to get away, the sound of heels clacking got ever closer to him.
The enemy was hazy through the tricks of light, but suddenly he was upon him, the barrel of the shotgun pressed against his head.
"Sorry, kid," The man's voice lacked any degree of emotion, "This is what we do."
This is what you do.
A smirk, fiery amber orbs pierced his soul as a burning hand was held out. The flames consumed his vision.
"RRAGH!"
Jaune's ears rang as he pushed himself up, the blast of shotgun echoed from more inches of his face. Searing the side of his head. He ignored it all for the attacker.
Blood splashed his jacket and screams enveloped the air. Screams that reminded him of the one's he'd been unable to let out. Something fell to the river below; the shotgun, and the appendages that held it.
Jaune kicked the man in his stomach, instinctively the man scrambled for a grip, but it was fruitless. His screams faded as he plummeted to rocks below.
"Damn it! Hurry up, kill him now!"
Jaune was done trying to escape. He leapt rapidly from platform to platform, barely feeling the bullets bounce of his aura and leapt toward the suspended bandit. With one swing, his target had fallen limp. His weighty body dragged him and his ally off the side. The he dashed over to the other, sheathing his sword as he grabbed the bandit's wrists.
He used that momentum to swing out from under the bridge, and at the apex of his ascent, let go and flipped through the air.
He grabbed onto the side of the bridge, quickly swinging over it to find stable ground.
"There he is!" The group of bandits called out.
There you are.
Jaune gave them no quarter; piercing deep into their ranks and taking them out one by one. A swing to his right split the neck of one, and a reverse motion stabbed another in the chest. He ripped the bloody blade out and ran for the next one.
He ducked under the slash and tipped him off his feet. He carted his sword under his falling body and swung up. Gravity and momentum did the rest.
They were no match, and Jaune knew it. Blade or bullet, it didn't matter. They were either deflected or used against them. And soon their numbers dwindled. But they made no attempt to run. Good.
Jaune kicked one off the side, spinning around to nail another with a backhand. He grimaced as a sword slashed his arm, but weathered the pain with ease. He had experienced a greater pain than that.
Jaune planted a foot on his enemy's shoulder, using that as a pivot to swing his other foot at him and knock him to the ground. Landing on all fours, Jaune jumped forward, pressing both feet against another bandit's chest. In that instant before he hit the ground, Jaune's sword went through his neck.
He flipped off and let his body fall, turning his attention on the previous target. He finished him off with a quick stab.
And then, all he could hear were his own breaths. For just a few minutes, that was all he knew. His raspy breath and the sounds of nature. His enemies had been silenced, for now.
Jaune looked over his handiwork, their blood matted to their clothes and the bridge while some bodies hung onto the vestiges of life. They wouldn't last. They were all idiots to fight him, to fight the boss - they didn't realize had had something great to fight for.
This place, this island, was his home. It was his job to defend it. That's what he wanted to do.
That's what he was meant to do.
Jaune!
"Amber?" Jaune turned his head to where the voice originated. Or rather, where he thought it originated. But she wasn't there. No one was.
Rubbing his head, Jaune fought the haze in his mind. It was clearing now, as the voices - they were faint. Receding somewhere in the back, where he couldn't hear them.
What had just happened?
Jaune covered his mouth as he saw the bodies around him... again. Again? Why was he seeing them again? The scent filled his nose... it was a familiar scent. He'd fought these guys. He'd killed them. So why... did it feel like he hadn't?
Jaune sighed as he put a hand over his heart, relieved to feel that it was steadying. He had wanted to avoid a fight, but there was no way to avoid this one. There was no point worrying over it.
His attention was on the distant tower, the red light blinking at the top. He was close now, he'd reach it soon and finally get this job over with. Then he could go back to his group, back to Amber.
He needed to.
~Event Horizon~
"Gwaah!"
The final bandit fell to the ground, twitching for a second before going still. Jaune had expected opposition when he reached the tower, but getting inside turned out to be easier than he thought.
The tower was connected to a smaller building; a station that managed it. Or used to. Inside was clear from what he could see, all the enemies had come out to stop him from getting in.
Too bad they hadn't known better.
The cold air bristled his skin, and suddenly he was reminded of the altitude he was at. Of course, the tower had to be built in a high place, which naturally would make it cold. But Jaune didn't feel much for complaining; he was at the end of his mission for the most part, he just needed to find the control box.
Then Jaune noticed something, just before the flight of stairs was a second room. An old, shut down computer could be seen through the broken glass.
Jaune pulled out his scroll, ignoring the static screen in favor of pressing his finger on it. An automatic activation for the walkie function since the scrolls defaulted to it when the CCT network wasn't connected. Oobleck had already set up the derelict channel.
"Doctor Oobleck, it's me. I've reached the tower."
It took a few tries but at last someone responded.
"Lad! You made it!"
"Geoff, where is -
"Are you injured, dear? I hope your journey wasn't too harsh."
"I'm fine, Chen -
"Jaune! Are you okay?"
The blonde rolled his eyes, but he couldn't resist as smile. He was thankful for Reg's concern but of course he was fine. "Roughed up, but I'll live. Where is Oobleck?"
"Here, my boy," Oobleck took over, "I'm glad to hear you are alright. Where are you now?"
"The base of the tower - I found a control room. Do you think we can use that instead of the control box?"
"Yes, I believe we can. Let us get to work."
Oobleck's instructions weren't too complicated. Getting the main power back on, resetting the monitor - it was easy enough. Most of what they needed was already there. Jaune returned the dial to a certain wavelength, holding his scroll to face the monitor and -
A buzz and a pop. Multiple ones. It was almost like the control panel had been put into a microwave, short circuiting for a few seconds before shutting off entirely.
Jaune sighed.
"That is unfortunate." He heard Oobleck say.
"No kidding."
"Fret not, Mister Arc. We will simply go back to the original plan. The control box atop the tower likely runs on its own power circuit. What we couldn't get done here, we can finish there."
Jaune wasn't sure he liked the idea of scaling a tower that tall. But it was that way or the bandits and Jaune preferred the former. "Keep us posted, Mister Arc," Oobleck noted, "It should be on the right side. On a railing that operators use after climbing the latter. It's impossible to miss."
"Okay, I'll be there in a few minutes."
Jaune headed up the stairs, the sound of his footsteps echoing. The stairs eventually opened to a perch outside, where the remainder of the tower stretched high. He found the ladder quickly, trying his hardest not to looked down as he climbed.
Cold air struck his face, Jaune turning his face down to block it. But when he did, he saw the huge sea at the bed of the mountainside. It was just after a gaping mouth of the cliff, and a long bridge was built into the wall that stretched off somewhere into the distance. It was high; impossibly, and Jaune's stomach lurched as his body seemed to instinctively lean toward it...
He shook the view off, his saving grace being the platform and railing. Jaune took a breath as he sat against it, trying to ignore the fact that he was hundreds of feet above ground. Whipping out his scroll again, he opened the latch of the control box.
"I'm here."
"Excellent. Do you see a gray switch?"
Jaune followed the instructions again; flipping a switch here, pushing a button there. Soon enough they were ready and Jaune held his scroll up to it again. "Now, adjust the dial slowly. You should be listening for a channel; the sound will be very distinct compared to the static. It won't trigger video sadly, but the audio should connect. There is no telling how long it will take so be patient."
Jaune nodded, holding the position as he listened to the static. Scratches and winds were the most he heard for a while. His skin bristled in the chilly air, and he'd squint his eyes whenever the breeze came by. He was alone in that - static and cold.
"Jaune." A voice came through the walkie.
Amber. He hadn't expected her to talk to him, not now anyway. She didn't sound particularly happy or relieved - she addressed him rather directly. This wasn't going to be friendly how-do-you-do, that was for sure. Jaune swallowed before responding, "Yeah?"
"Whats up?"
"Nothing. I'm good. Great."
"Oh... well, good."
The static should have been enough to fill the silence - should have. But if the universe hated him as much as Amber said, then it only served to make the distance in their conversation worse. Like karmic retribution, Jaune realized the static itself was doing a better job talking to his partner.
His brain betrayed a visual of Amber in front of the scroll, wanting to say something just like he did. But a part of him was glad he wasn't there to see it.
He'd been planning to wait until he met up with her again, he certainly didn't want anyone to overhear their conversation. But with so much empty time, he wanted it to go by faster. It was best to talk to her now, anyway.
"Amber... I wanna say I'm sorry."
"You're sorry?"
"About how I've been acting. I'm sorry... about that," Not the best start Jaune had hoped for, but that was starting to become his trademark, "It wasn't fair on you. I know you're just looking out for me. I guess I thought that you were underestimating me, I thought you didn't think I was strong enough to handle things myself."
"I didn't mean to make it sound that way... and it's not that I think you aren't strong. I know that you are strong enough. Physically."
Physically? What was that supposed to mean? A part of him suspected what she was implying, and he pursed his lips as he tried to convince himself she wasn't trying to offend him. He was overreacting.
"I'm sorry too. About everything. I should trust you to be able to take care of yourself, and I'm sorry I made you feel like you couldn't." She sighed, she always did that when she wasn't finished, "But you're going through something. And I can't just sit by and watch it anymore."
"Amber, I already told you -
"Stop lying!"
Jaune flinched, nearly dropping the scroll as he enraged voice shook him. But no, not just her rage, her voice was light. Like she was fighting to reign in her emotions.
"It wasn't so often back at your house, for the most part you slept okay. But its only gotten worse over time. You're struggling to sleep at night. I see you twisting and turning, lashing out like you're trying to fight something.
Jaune's gaze lowered.
"You've been having nightmares, I know you have. And when I confront you about it, you lie to my face. You make me feel like my concern is nothing to you when all I want to do is help. How can you expect me to ignore that?"
He'd been trying to convince himself that it didn't matter. He wanted to believe that. Often when he woke up, he'd just stay awake. It was easier than going back into the darkness. Why should Amber go through that burden with him? She had a life of hardships already, Jaune's didn't want his problems to become hers.
What were his nightmares compared to that? Nothing. Amber deserved to be happy. So anytime she asked him, he'd always say that he was fine. The desire to tell her, to let her know what he was feeling was so tempting... but then he'd remember their day out in Vale and how joyous she looked.
He wanted her to look like that all the time. He couldn't stand to see her sad or hurt.
Had he been causing it this whole time?
"Please, Jaune," Jaune closed his eyes, wishing he could block out the emotion in her voice. But he couldn't turn away, not from her, "I can't sit by and ignore it. I'm your friend too. It's supposed to go both ways."
She was right. He knew she was right.
Jaune hadn't wanted to talk about this subject. But it seemed like that was the root of their squabbles. He hadn't even told his family, he was too afraid of scaring them.
Maybe it was time to fess up.
"I promise... I'll tell you about it once we're back home. Okay?"
She sighed. It wasn't the answer she wanted, and Jaune knew it. He meant what he said. But he couldn't deny that he'd promised the compromise just to avoid it a little longer. Maybe by then he'd be better, or she'd forget about it.
Neither was likely.
"I'll hold you to that, you hear me? We will talk about this later."
I dug this hole myself. Jaune sighed but nodded. "Okay."
Suddenly an intense screech come over the scroll, Jaune stopped adjusting the dial to let the sound play. For a few seconds it was the same, but then it cleared up, voices were piercing the static as it slowly became clear.
" - is Mountain Eis - third regional base of the Atlesian Coast Guard. We have identified an unknown signal in the Southern sea. Transmission, please respond."
Jaune winced as the others cheered from the other line, ushering them to silence as he addressed the base.
"Uh, I'm Jaune Arc. I'm part of an archaeological team that has been on Grey Island for research purposes. Over a week ago, our ship was attacked by natives of the island."
" - tives? On that island?"
"We were surprised too. Negotiations were a no go and they have been hunting tirelessly since then. We haven't had a way to call for help before now."
"So, you are stranded..." He tuned out for a moment but was back soon enough, "Jaune Arc, we have heard your distress. I will have my superiors put together a rescue team for you and your group."
A breath Jaune hadn't known he was holding was finally let go. And with it, a wave of relief as he let himself laugh a little.
"We have your coordinates now, I realize it will be rough, but we ask you to hold tight. Our ships are not all available currently, but we have one scheduled to return tomorrow. We will immediately send that ship out for you. Two days tops. Is your team with you?"
"No, but they can make the trip here."
"Hold that area. That is where the ship will arrive, until then, you all stay safe."
"Thank you, thank you so much."
And then the static was back; but the cheers of his teammates had returned, Jaune flattening his back to the railing as realization dawned on him.
"Great job, lad! I had faith in ya!"
"Finally, we'll be off this godforsaken island!"
"Hallelujah!"
Jaune wished he had the energy to be as ecstatic as they were. He settled for a chuckle instead. "Yeah... finally."
"Mister Arc, great work. I cannot thank you enough. You have truly saved us all."
Jaune preened, scratching the back of his head. "Ah well... it's just what heroes do."
"Quite so," Oobleck chuckled in return, "Now, can you find a safe place to hole up? You must be tired, so don't worry about meeting us halfway. We passed the red zone days ago, which leaves us with just enough time to reach you and wait for the ship."
It was perfect. A dream come true. They were in the clear waters now. "Yeah, I'll find somewhere to stay near the tower."
"Very good, then we will be on our way shortly. We shall see you soon, Mister Arc."
And just like that Jaune was alone again. But calmer, a bit more positive. They'd be off the island in just a few days, he'd be back home and in his bed soon. He couldn't wait.
Jaune descended from the tower, leaping down the ladder and speeding down the flight of stairs until he made it outside. He looked around a little, just to ensure no enemies were around. And in doing so he noticed a path down the side.
Just there was a clearing, big and wide. More than enough room for the ship to land, and at the back of the clearing was what looked to be a Turuii cottage.
"Looks like I can sleep comfy tonight." Jaune smiled, just about to head down.
"Well, isn't this an interesting find."
Jaune spun around. His eyes latched onto something white and flowy in the breeze. A lab coat. The build of a man, stood before though Jaune had yet to see his face. But his voice... his voice...
It made his ears ring. And he touched his head, hoping he could drive it away.
"A reaction? You must have touched the Subordynate, or inhaled it," He chortled, condescending tone resounding in Jaune's head, "Imbeciles. I tell them to clean up the failed Grimm, yet they managed to still leave some wandering around… well, I suppose that just means the serum isn't perfect yet."
Jaune growled as he held his head, the permeating voice generated blurry images that moved too quick for him to recognize. He couldn't see, not clearly - he fumbled for his sword, and in response the sound of multiple guns being loaded rang. The handle shook in his hands as he staggered toward the lab coat.
"Incredible resistance. The one's with aura are tricky – easier to just be rid of them. But you... it has a hold on you. Why? Is it time? Or perhaps your mental state?"
Mental... what now? What was going on? Jaune was feeling sick and dizzy, stumbling in his footsteps as a hundred of the lab coat's commands came to him. Subord... Subordynate? What was that? Nothing about that or this guy made sense.
It didn't matter. He was an enemy. So he had to kill him. Jaune readied the sword, eyes trailing up the stranger's chest to meet his eyes and strike him down. But the moment he did, all he could see was a sudden flash of green.
The only color after that was black.
Very good, young man. You listen well. Now come, we have much work to do.
~Event Horizon~
"Oscar!"
Where had that kid gone off to?
Amber rubbed her the stiffness out of her neck, calling out the preteen again and receiving no response. Of course, everyone had noticed Oscar's disappearance since this morning. But it was well into the afternoon now and he'd yet to return.
What was he doing?
The last thing they needed was for him to disappear when they'd finally found a way off the island. They needed to leave soon. Today.
Her ears were drawn to the sound of running water, and the brush opened to the steady stream. But that wasn't what her eyes were on. It was what rested by the riverbank.
Rabbit carcasses. They'd clearly been hunted by someone. An enemy or Oscar. But she was quickly convinced of the latter.
His shoes were there too. But no Oscar. Amber's hear plummeted.
"Oh no..."
Been a while since I wrote, I've fallen behind my schedule, but I decided it was a good idea not to keep a schedule. Specially since this is mostly for fun.
So I hope this chapters clears up questions of Jaune's OOC moment. It's a jumbled mess of his trauma of getting burned along with the influence of Merlot's serum, which in this fic is called the Subordynate. Most of ya'll were right on point! And Oscar is taken!?
That's all from me for now, hope ya'll enjoyed the chapter and I'll see you in the next one!
GWS